2007 House Bill 5449 / Public Act 198

Loosen limits on state loans to cities with deficits

Introduced in the House

Nov. 8, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Bert Johnson (D-5)

To ease a provision in the law that allows the state to provide new “emergency” loans to municipalities (primarily Highland Park) that have a budget deficit even if the municipality already has two such loans outstanding. Under current law, the city must have experienced city income tax revenue growth rate of “.90” or less. The bill would allow a third loan even if the city’s income tax revenue growth has been up to “1.3.” Note: The statute does not specify what type of measurement these figures apply to, but it is presumably a percentage rate. Also, to increase the maximum loan to any one municipality in any one fiscal year from $1 million to $3 million.

Referred to the Committee on Intergovernmental, Urban, and Regional Affairs

Nov. 28, 2007

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 4, 2007

Passed in the House 102 to 2 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 5, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Local, Urban, and State Affairs

Dec. 12, 2007

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To ease a provision in the law that allows the state to provide new “emergency” loans to municipalities (primarily Highland Park) that have a budget deficit even if the municipality already has two such loans outstanding. Under current law, the city must have experienced city income tax revenue growth rate of “.90” or less. The bill would allow a third loan even if the city’s income tax revenue growth has been up to “1.3.” Note: The statute does not specify what type of measurement these figures apply to, but it is presumably a percentage rate. Also, to increase the maximum loan to any one municipality in any one fiscal year from $1 million to $3 million.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 20, 2007